County Antrim pensioner fears house sale court order will lead to special needs grandson becoming homeless

The woman, who cannot be identified, said she has been plunged into a “nightmare” following a legal battle over a family property.

Earlier this month a judge gave her daughter eight weeks to buy out her ex-partner’s entitlement in the home they once shared. If the process is not completed on time the house is to be put up for sale.

According to the pensioner, more than £90,000 has to be found for the payment. She said her daughter cannot get the required mortgage because she suffers from a number of debilitating medical conditions.

Concerns over the order made at Antrim Courthouse have been heightened by the uncertainty for her two grandchildren.

One of them is on the autistic spectrum while the other is still waiting for a diagnosis.

“I’m terrified at the thought of these children having to leave their home,” the woman said. “The psychological damage that would do to a youngster whose bedroom is his safe space.”

Now in her seventies, the retired civil servant is exploring the possibility of remortgaging her house in a bid to help.

“My husband and I are trying to get an equity release for £91,000 so they can stay in their home,” she said.

“There’s no guarantee we’ll get it, but there is nothing else we can try.”

The woman added: “I’m distraught and worried my daughter and her children will have nowhere to stay.”